Islam and the Veil: Theoretical and Regional Contexts [Paperback]

This volume is centred around the theme of veiling in Islam and provides multifarious aspects of the discussion regarding veiling of Muslim women, especially in the West. The issue of veiling has been intensively debated in Western society and has implications for religious liberty, inter-communal relationships and cultural interaction.Islam and the Veilseeks to generate open and objective discussion of this highly important, though controversial, subject, with contributions from distinguished scholars and academics, including female practitioners of Islam.
This subject has inflamed passions and generated heated debate in the media in recent years, particularly in the West. This book aims to look at the historical background, theological and social factors underlying the veiling of women in Islam. Such discussion will provide the reader with a well-balanced and unbiased analysis of this important aspect of Islamic practice.

'Rabiha Hannan is co-Director of the Community Relations Initiative, a consultancy that works on research, educational and practical projects aiming to bring communities together.

IntroductionTheodore Gabriel & Rabiha Hannan\Part I: Theoretical Contexts\ 1. Respect in Plural SocietyMarcus Braybrooke\ 2. Reflections on Sartorial Injunctions in IslamTheodore Gabriel\ 3. Unveiling Orientalism in ReverseAlison Scott-Baumann\ 4. Mowdudi: Purdah and the Status of Women in IslamRoy Jackson\ 5. Female Seclusion and the Veil: Two issues in Political and social discourseSimonetta Calderini\Part II: Examining the Scriptural Texts\ 6. The Veil: Between Tradition and Reason, Culture and ContextUsama Hasan\ 7. An Exploration of the Debates Pertaining to Head Covering and Face Veiling of Women in the British Muslim ContextRabiha Hannan\ 8. Norms of Gender InteractionJavaid Ghamidi\ 9. The Hijab: A symbol of modesty or seclusion?Khola Hassan\Part III: Humlã#